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TUCSON CHAPTER - 04/25/2019
In April, Ellen Jimenez, chairman, Military Affairs Committee, presented on Tucson's support to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base through the Tucson Military Affairs Committee and also her recent participation in Honor Flight, which provides veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam with the opportunity to see their national memorials in Washington, D.C. In April, the Tucson Military Affairs Committee also celebrated their 90th Anniversary.Also this month, Staff Sgt. Miguel Bonilla, USAF, was awarded a $150 Chapter Book Scholarship. Sgt. Bonilla is enrolled in a computer science degree program from Wayland Baptist University and has been a chapter member for several years. |
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 02/21/2019
In February, the chapter welcomed guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Andrew Croft, commander, USAF, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Gen. Croft spoke during the luncheon about how 12th Air Forces supports Multidomain Command and Control Operations in the United States Southern Command area of interest.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 02/25/2016
At the March professional development luncheon, the chapter welcomed the Tucson ITT Technical Institute Director, Dr. Timothy Dosemagen, as the guest speaker. Dr. Dosemagen is an expert in East Asian studies, and has lived and worked extensively in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. He provided attendees with a cultural and historical overview of China. Dr. Dosemagen also provided insight into China's military, cultural and economic changes in the coming years. Larry Bingaman, AFCEA's southwest regional vice president, also attended the educational and informative event.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 01/22/2016
The chapter kicked of the new year with a presentation by Ellen Jimenez, the chair of the Tucson Military Affairs Committee (MAC). Jimenez spoke about the history of MAC and also what the organization does in support of military members, the base and its impact on the local community. Jimenez also provided details about her recent trip to Capitol Hill, where MAC presented information to elected officials on the importance of Davis-Monthan, the missions and of course our outstanding airmen. Larry Bingaman, the southwest regional vice president was also on hand to present the 2015 Model Chapter Award.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 09/24/2015
The chapter kicked off its fall professional development luncheon series in September with a presentation from Bryn Tierney and Elijah Woodward on InfraGard. InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It is an association of people who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the United States. They spoke about the importance of information sharing with community partners and discussed emergency, disaster and fraud scenarios associated with critical infrastructures and local businesses. Also discussed were the benefits and information reports available to InfraGard members. Tierney is the enterprise risk management/compliance safety and security officer with a national credit union and a certified fraud examiner. Woodward is an officer with the Oro Valley Police Department and a certified ethical hacker who work ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 04/23/2015
In April, the chapter welcomed Dan Jones, CEO, Beyond Horizons Space Consulting and SparkConnect Inc., who shared insights on passion, leadership and communication gained during his military and corporate careers. He shared a current project with a local high school where students develop a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) business plan and resourcing for a middle school project curriculum, and once approved by the middle school, implement it. This teaches life and academic skills to both the high school and middle school students, fostering creativity and mentorship. Jones is also the founder of Wormhole-STEAM, a collaborative Web-based platform to share and leverage STEAM events and opportunities between business, community and academia. The chapter also awarded a $1,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grant to Gülen Hicks, founder, chief financial officer and teacher at Arizona College Prep Academy (ACPA). Hicks shared ACPA's ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 02/19/2015
In February, the chapter luncheon attendees learned about the impact of cloud-based computing architectures on high-performance mission processing requirements from Ervin Frazier, Rincon Research Corporation senior scientist for the innovation and technology business element. Frazier's informative session focused on the evolution of cloud computing, efficiencies of parallel versus serial processing, engineering requirements such as equipment types, physical location and HVAC considerations to assure high performance and reduce latency. He also highlighted the differences in Infinaband versus 10GigE technology, which generated great discussion amongst the attendees. During the luncheon, the chapter also recognized Capt. Brandon Bendigo, USAF, on his Regional Distinguished Young AFCEAN Award from AFCEA West 2015.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 01/22/2015
In January, the chapter welcomed a combined military and industry crowd to hear TEKSystems' government services account executives Megan Soto and Brian Preston share insights on how to attract, develop and retain information technology employees and the local labor market for southern Arizona. Participants shared great dialogue regarding approaches for information technology talent management, how to keep employees challenged and engaged, the emergence of non-traditional information technology career education paths and what factors appeal specifically to the southern Arizona market. At the luncheon the chapter also awarded its fourth annual Armed Forces Leadership in Technology Awards (AFLITA), $500 scholarships to outstanding cadets from University of Arizona ROTC detachments. The cadets were joined by their detachment commanders and had a great opportunity to ask questions and share information with other luncheon participants.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 10/30/2014
In October, the chapter welcomed attendees to hear Brett Scott, founder of the Arizona Cyber Warfare Range, for its second fall 2014 professional development luncheon. Scott specializes in cybersecurity, high-performance computing with commodity hardware, software design and development and strategic consulting. During the lunch, Scott shared his vast insight into cyber threats and vulnerabilities for supply chains, from third-party vendors to internal parties. He further illuminated many of the tactics, techniques and procedures that bad actors can use to infiltrate and exploit protected networks. Scott also showcased the Arizona Cyber Warfare Range as a personal and professional playground to exercise cyber exploitation and cybersecurity techniques.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 09/25/2014
In September, the Chapter welcomed a large turnout to hear Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, USAF, commander of the 214th Reconnaissance Group, for its first fall 2014 professional development luncheon. Col. Doorenbos shared how her Arizona Air National Guard unit executes a 24/7, Title 10 mission operating MQ-1 Predators overseas. Attendees learned the utility, capabilities and challenges of the aircraft, including persistent presence, the reliance on distributed and pre-positioned line of sight communications to operate and land, how sensor video is fused and distributed and how operators overcome the lack of sensory feedback flying via screens instead of in the aircraft. Col. Doorenbos gave specific thanks for communicators' critical mission assurance role for MQ-1 operations. At the luncheon, Regional Vice President Larry Bingaman also presented the chapter with its third consecutive Model Chapter of the Year Award and swore in the Board of Directors: Maj. Chad Richardson, USAF, president; ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 05/08/2014
The chapter had a very active spring 2014. In February, Maj. Drew Glass, USAF, commander of the 355th Contracting Squadron, shared information on acquisition and competitive sourcing, providing valuable insight to industry partners in the current fiscal climate. The chapter also recognized its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) grant awardees, awarding grants to Altar Valley Middle School to support a Lego Robotics program for its sixth-grade students and Tanque Verde Elementary to purchase interactive science lab equipment and software for fifth and sixth graders. In March, the chapter hosted Sam Shivers, program manager for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Support Directorate, Arizona area, who shared the surveillance and information technology that supports U.S. government border security operations. During April's chapter luncheon, Felisa Hervey, president of Civil Vision International, shared the importance of communication beyond information techn ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 12/12/2013
In December, the chapter hosted Col. Keith Colmer, USAF, Air National Guard adviser to the commander, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), who spoke on engineering design and simulation for Virgin Galactic. Col. Colmer is an Air Force test pilot with more than 5,000 hours in more than 110 different types of aircraft. He was selected as the first Virgin Galactic test pilot and enthralled the audience with the design and capabilities of this innovative commercial venture, including flight footage of White Knight 2 and Spaceship 2. He also highlighted the value of military test experience in adding controls for the test flight evaluations and in creating a state-of-the-art simulator. During the luncheon, Larry Bingaman, regional vice president, presented the AFCEA coin for Outstanding Service to Col. Dick Palmieri, USAF, and Capt. Stacie Voorhees, USAF. Furthermore, the chapter awarded its Armed Forces Leadership in Technology Award (AFLITA). The AFLITA recognizes a top performer purs ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 10/10/2013
In October, the chapter welcomed Keith “Mac” McIntosh, vice chancellor for information technology and chief information officer for Pima Community College. McIntosh shared information on the 22 Department of Homeland Security-categorized science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs that Pima instructs and their important role in meeting energy sector, aviation technology and additional STEM-related careers in Tucson and the southwest. He also shared Pima's initiatives to develop STEM education and instructors in line with meeting Department of Education Strategic Plan initiatives, especially the outreach and partnership of Pima with the local community and programs to encourage education and excitement about STEM for students in K-12th grades. Following an engaging question and answer session, McIntosh shared the importance of his STEM-related degrees in facilitating his transition from the Air Force to a civilian career field and encouraged the enlisted attendee ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 09/12/2013
In August, the chapter sponsored mission briefs and tours of the 162nd Fighter Wing and the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC). Commander of the 162nd Fighter Wing, Col. Michael McGuire, USAF, shared the wing's responsibilities as the largest Air National Guard fighter wing and international F-16 training unit. Col. Matthew Manifold, USAF, commander, AATC, then shared the unique mission set of the AATC to conduct operational testing in support of weapon systems modernization efforts and increased combat capability. Attendees then had the opportunity to tour the communications support facilities and enjoyed the opportunity to socialize during lunch prior to a base tour. In September, the chapter welcomed Mel Gage, federal data solutions manager for Verizon Enterprise Solutions, to kick off its 2013 to 2014 professional development luncheon series. After new chapter officers were sworn in, Gage spoke on a variety of technologies that can be utilized with a ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 02/11/2013
In February, Col. Richard Palmieri, USAF, chapter president, director of communications, 12th Air Force, and commander, 612th Air Communications Squadron, spoke to the chapter about the interconnectivity of military and industry in meeting today's challenges with numerous constraints and the importance of training younger generations to anticipate the evolution of governments needs. Highlights of the meeting included awarding the chapter's annual Armed Forces Leadership in Technology Award, a $500 scholarship presented to the most deserving ROTC candidates pursuing a science, technology, engineering or mathematics related degree from each of the three University of Arizona ROTC detachments. In addition, the chapter co-sponsored a Windows 8 First Look event in February with chapter corporate member New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Southern Arizona. Approximately 65 Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security-affiliated personnel attended and received insight into ... READ MORE
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 12/17/2012 In December, Col. Don McMonagle, USAF (Ret.), a NASA astronaut and current director for space and range systems at Raytheon Technical Services, spoke to the chapter on space challenges from a NASA, the Air Force and industry perspective. Col. McMonagle logged more than 605 hours in space as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Pilot aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and Crew Commander for the space shuttle Atlantis. He provided valuable insight on the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the technical accomplishments of space travel. He also addressed aerospace concerns regarding the growing role of commercial space travel and space debris. After sharing video and a personal account from his final space mission, Col. McMonagle then discussed the communications challenges for extended space travel and the importance of a clear future direction to maintain U.S. prowess in technological innovation. |
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 11/19/2012
In November, the chapter swore in its new board of directors and promptly shared planning efforts from the summer hiatus with the chapter membership. Additionally, Larry Bingaman, regional vice president, presented a check to the chapter on behalf of AFCEA International for chapter support to the March 2012 Technet Land Forces Southwest, and Geri Smith, chapter vice president of membership, recognized the newest corporate member: Bullseye Conference Support Services.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 12/15/2011
Cadet Roger S. Anderson, Air Force ROTC, Detachment 020, received the chapter's Leadership in Technology Award in December. Cadet Anderson is an electrical engineering major at the University of Arizona and has maintained a 3.7 grade point average. He serves as senior adviser to the cadet wing commander and was recognized by the staff as an exemplary model of leadership both in the technology and military training fields. Cadet Anderson received his $500 award to be used to enhance his undergraduate studies.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 05/18/2011
The chapter celebrated its first general membership meeting in May after nearly two years of inactivity. Tom Flannery, chapter president, opened the meeting and discussed goals for the next year to rebuild the chapter and expand its influence through cooperation with local universities and the Southern Arizona Chapter. Col. Dean Worley, USAF, commander of the 55th Electronic Combat Group, gave a dynamic speech on the EC-130's electronic attack capabilities and how they are employed to deny our adversaries' use of the electromagnetic spectrum and support coalition operations.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 08/28/2009
Thomas Shambo, a business analyst at the Pima County Small Business Development Center (SBDC), served as the featured speaker for the August meeting. He provided an overview of the resources the SBDC offers to small business, including opportunities for small businesses to expand into the federal sector. The chapter is enjoying a resurgence thanks in part to the efforts of Maj. Kevin Rook, USAF, commander, 355 Communications Squadron, and chapter president, and Larry Bingaman, deputy regional vice president. Several members of the Southern Arizona Chapter attended the meeting as a sign of support.
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TUCSON CHAPTER - 10/06/2008
The chapter's October luncheon was held at the Mirage Club on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Dave Grundies, regional vice president, and Sean McGowan, manager of member and chapter programs, AFCEA International, were the guest speakers. Grundies and McGowan discussed how to sustain an active, successful chapter. Attendees included members of the military, industry and the local U.S. Defense Department information technology community.
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